Topic: Speedometer/Odometer Woes

[leekellerking]

My speedometer and odometer have quit working.   

I just put a new cable on this morning so (assuming I installed it right), that should not be the problem.

Last week on the way to work my speedo needle started jumping around and then dropped to 0-10 mph (at about 80 mph on the freeway).  At the same time, my odometer stopped turning (which, considering I no working reserve on my tank, could be serious!).

What are my options?  Suggestions?

I mean, I can live with no speedometer, but I NEED my odometer!


Lee

[Johnie]

When you changed out the cable are you sure you got the tabs on the lower cable in the groove? If not, you would just push the cable up into the head of the speedo and it will not work.

[Gordon]

Speedos don't typically just completely quit like that.  My vote is for incorrect cable installation, too. 

[Don R]

Mine locked up twisting the cable off. I cut the square end off the old cable and used it to check the speedometer. It didn't turn at all.  Oh, what bike?

[leekellerking]

Mine locked up twisting the cable off. I cut the square end off the old cable and used it to check the speedometer. It didn't turn at all.  Oh, what bike?

Oops!  1982 CB650SC Nighthawk.

[leekellerking]

When you changed out the cable are you sure you got the tabs on the lower cable in the groove? If not, you would just push the cable up into the head of the speedo and it will not work.

Awww.  I will check tomorrow.  That would be preferable to the alternatives I can think of.

[leekellerking]

When you changed out the cable are you sure you got the tabs on the lower cable in the groove? If not, you would just push the cable up into the head of the speedo and it will not work.

Any tips on how to do it right?  Getting the clip back in was a real #$%*, for one.  How do I insure that it mates up right?

Thanks,

Lee
(Speedo-less in Sugar Land)

[Johnie]

I just eye ball it and use a small screwdriver to turn the lower cable end so it mates up. You could always take the top cable end off and put a finger on it. Then when you insert the lower end you would be able to feel if it starts to rise up telling you the tabs are not aligned. If you really want to spend time with it then jack the front wheel up and spin it. You should be able to see the top end cable spin when you rotate that tire.

[leekellerking]

So I need to disconnect the clip holding the cable to the gear houseing on the wheel first?

I'm afraid I'm going to bugger the clip worse.  It was bent by the PO at some time in the past an apparently those clips are now unobtanium.


 

I just eye ball it and use a small screwdriver to turn the lower cable end so it mates up. You could always take the top cable end off and put a finger on it. Then when you insert the lower end you would be able to feel if it starts to rise up telling you the tabs are not aligned. If you really want to spend time with it then jack the front wheel up and spin it. You should be able to see the top end cable spin when you rotate that tire.

[Johnie]

Here is where we need the Nightwawk help. I have included a pic of my 750 cable housing at the wheel. Sounds like yours is different as I do not have the clip you mentioned. Maybe you could post a pic?

[leekellerking]

My Nighthawk's speedo cable connection does not look like that.  I will post up photos after I get more motivation (this rainy weather seems to sap my motivation) and after I help my middle son with his homework.

Lee
 

Here is where we need the Nightwawk help. I have included a pic of my 750 cable housing at the wheel. Sounds like yours is different as I do not have the clip you mentioned. Maybe you could post a pic?

[leekellerking]

Here are the photos I promised, but I got no joy from reinstalling the cable.   









But here is the rub -- if I move the front wheel backwards, it causes the speedo cable to turn.  If, however, does not turn if I turn the wheel in the forwards direction.

It seems that my worst fear has been confirmed -- it is a problem with the gearset in the front wheel, not the cable or the speedometer itself.

The part is as follows:

BOX ASSY., SPEEDOMETER GEAR (Honda Motorcycle Code 1111335)

However, it is "unobtanium" as far as I can find.  Looks like I'm headed to the motorcycle salvage yard, soon.   


Lee

[leekellerking]

It seems that my worst fear has been confirmed -- it is a problem with the gearset in the front wheel, not the cable or the speedometer itself.

The part is as follows:

BOX ASSY., SPEEDOMETER GEAR (Honda Motorcycle Code 1111335)

However, it is "unobtanium" as far as I can find.  Looks like I'm headed to the motorcycle salvage yard, soon.   


Lee

Or, maybe not.  I found a used one on Ebay for $22.00 and $5.00 shipping and handling.  Payday is Friday, so I may take the chance.

Lee

[Johnie]

If it is the gear box I can not understand why it moves when you turn the wheel back and not move when you turn it forward?

[leekellerking]

If it is the gear box I can not understand why it moves when you turn the wheel back and not move when you turn it forward?

Stripped in one direction only?  I don't know.  It seems more likey than two bad cables in a row.  (One NOS in the Honda sleeve).

I'm open to ideas...


Lee

[leekellerking]

So, installed the "new" speedometer gear box thingy and it seemed to turn the cable when I turned the front wheel.

Rode down the street -- still no speedo or odometer! 

I may pull it again tomorrow and check the inside of the front wheel.  (I really need to install my new clutch springs, too).

Argghhhh.

If it is the gear box I can not understand why it moves when you turn the wheel back and not move when you turn it forward?

Stripped in one direction only?  I don't know.  It seems more likey than two bad cables in a row.  (One NOS in the Honda sleeve).

I'm open to ideas...


Lee

[morpheus991]

At least you know what front wheel you have on your bike..... I've been wanting to add a speedo for a while now, I even got a gauge and gear but no such luck.

[Don R]

Did you try pulling the square end out of the old cable to check the speedo to see it it turns? Like I said, mine was locked and kept breaking the cable. The end would twist off at the lower fitting, it would spin the cable top end if I turned the wheel backward but not foreward. The frayed ends would twist together and catch but when I turned it foreward they would slip past and I got nothing. Sorry if you already checked this way, I'm not sure I understand what is happening. Good luck, D.

[leekellerking]

Ya, I tried that.  But don't feel bad about making suggestions.  I appreciate the attempt. 

After finally finding a schematic of the front wheel in my Clymers, I am thinking that I haven't properly mated the "dog" in the wheel with the dog in the speedo gearbox.  I will pull the front wheel once more and try the sequence in Clymer (mating the dogs before putting the wheel back on, and THEN installing the cable). 

I tried installing the cable before the replacing the wheel in the forks because is its such a PITA to see and manipulate the little clip which holds the cable in, when the wheel is in the forks.   


Lee

Did you try pulling the square end out of the old cable to check the speedo to see it it turns? Like I said, mine was locked and kept breaking the cable. The end would twist off at the lower fitting, it would spin the cable top end if I turned the wheel backward but not foreward. The frayed ends would twist together and catch but when I turned it foreward they would slip past and I got nothing. Sorry if you already checked this way, I'm not sure I understand what is happening. Good luck, D.

[leekellerking]

Ya, I tried that.  But don't feel bad about making suggestions.  I appreciate the attempt. 

After finally finding a schematic of the front wheel in my Clymers, I am thinking that I haven't properly mated the "dog" in the wheel with the dog in the speedo gearbox.  I will pull the front wheel once more and try the sequence in Clymer (mating the dogs before putting the wheel back on, and THEN installing the cable). 

Still no joy!  I pulled the wheel, greased the housing, mated the dogs and reinstalled the wheel.  The inside cable turned when I turned the wheel.  So, unless I unmated the cable from the gear housing while installing that PITA clip (removing the caliper helps immensely), I have a bad speedometer.  Or something.

Lee

[leekellerking]

Still no joy!  I pulled the wheel, greased the housing, mated the dogs and reinstalled the wheel.  The inside cable turned when I turned the wheel.  So, unless I un-mated the cable from the gear housing while installing that PITA clip (removing the caliper helps immensely), I have a bad speedometer.  Or something.

Lee

ARRRGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I pulled the cable off the speedo and turned the tire while a friend sat on the seat of the bike (on centerstand).  It is NOT turning when the tire turns.

Ether (1) the dogs disengaged when I reinstalled the wheel, or (2) the cable came off the speedo-gearbox tang while I was futsing with that stupid clip. 


Anybody ever had to replace the speedo dog in the wheel?  I'm thinking it is worn and can't stay engaged with the dog in the speedo gearbox.

Comments?  Ideas?

Or should I just buy a GPS???

[leekellerking]

I tried to reassemble the wheel again, last night.  It only wants to turn in the wrong direction!   

I am thinking that the dogs in the wheel are worn and not mating up correctly with the dogs in the speedo gearbox. 

I will order the part from Bike Bandit and try that (Not expensive, but a pain in the ass).


Later

Still no joy!  I pulled the wheel, greased the housing, mated the dogs and reinstalled the wheel.  The inside cable turned when I turned the wheel.  So, unless I un-mated the cable from the gear housing while installing that PITA clip (removing the caliper helps immensely), I have a bad speedometer.  Or something.

Lee

ARRRGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I pulled the cable off the speedo and turned the tire while a friend sat on the seat of the bike (on centerstand).  It is NOT turning when the tire turns.

Ether (1) the dogs disengaged when I reinstalled the wheel, or (2) the cable came off the speedo-gearbox tang while I was futsing with that stupid clip. 


Anybody ever had to replace the speedo dog in the wheel?  I'm thinking it is worn and can't stay engaged with the dog in the speedo gearbox.

Comments?  Ideas?

Or should I just buy a GPS???

[Old Scrambler]

You are getting to the fix! Its the same set up on numerous other models from the early '80s. The gears are bake-light or hard nylon.  I always follow this sequence when I have a malfunction on the speedo.  Old cable out of sheath if not broken and bottom end in drill.  Insert other end in speedo and turn slowly to check speedo itself.  The ratio is usually four turns of the wheel to one turn at the speedo. If the speedo is turning, then check the gears in the wheel and cable drive. Usually both gears will be stripped. I like to use graphite lubricant on the gears and cable.   

[mgbgt89]

I have the same bike. When i replaced the cable it did the same thing, after much cussing and cut fingers i managed to get the stupid clip back in its groove. The replacement cable had a second groove closer to that fit the clip, so the cable only spun some of the time. It would stop when i hit bumps, and restart.

Good luck, don't rule out not having the cable attached to the speedo drive correctly. I can take pictures of mine when i get home from work if that helps.

[mgbgt89]

The clip i think is more of a secondary measure to hold the cable in. When i put mine in, there was a click when it finally seated after about 30 minutes of messing with it, and it seemed like it was in there fairly solidly. Take the clip completely off before you try to seat the cable. It's impossible to do it with the clip in place.